Technical writing is the art of conveying complex information to an audience with varying amounts of familiarity with the subject. Technical writers, also known as technical communicators, might be employed in a number of fields, which range from manufacturing to the sciences to information technology. They use their expertise to write everything from how-to guides and journals to instruction manuals and supporting documents such as FAQ pages.

"I’ve always had a great love of writing and figuring things out," says Adriane Hunt, who previously served as president of the Society for Technical Communication. "I enjoyed all things technical."

After earning a degree in English literature, Hunt got an internship at an engineering magazine. Later, she scored a job as a junior technical writer at a company that specialized in hardware and software documentation. More than thirty years later, Hunt is still enjoying the challenge and satisfaction that technical writing offers.

In addition to sitting down and writing, technical writers work with a team to determine both the needs of their users and the best way to reach them, whether that might be through an online video, a hard-copy manual or social media. They’ll also coordinate with technical staff members, designers and product developers. "Technical writers are integral to the success of a product," Hunt says. "It’s absolutely a team effort."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6.9% employment growth for technical writers between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 3,700 jobs should open up.

Technical writers generally need a bachelor’s degree in a field such as journalism or English. Hunt notes that a growing number of universities are offering technical communication programs. Some employers prefer to hire job candidates who have expertise in a certain area, such as engineering, medicine or science, in addition to a background in writing. Internships are a good way to acquire this expertise.

Certification is also available through organizations like the Society for Technical Communication and the American Medical Writers Association. Although it’s not a job requirement, certification gives some technical writers an edge in the job-search and career advancement processes.